Shooting Prompts Call For Better Vets' Mental Health Care

MGN Online

Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling for an overhaul of mental health care for veterans in the wake of the recent Navy Yard shooting in Washington, D.C.

Schumer recommends 24-hour emergency resource centers operated by Veterans Affairs health facilities.
Local police would be able to report concerns about the mental health of a veteran to the recourse centers.
The plan would involve 43 veterans health facilities in upstate New York alone that would be able to take police reports of veterans threatening to hurt themselves or others.
Syracuse is one of eight VA medical centers included. Also included are the community-based VA outpatient clinics in Watertown and Massena.
The proposal comes after the shootings by contractor and veteran Aaron Alexis who had said he had some symptoms that could have prompted a mental health review before the tragedy.
See a news release from Schumer's office.